It has been a rough week for most Michigan football fans, as their program is currently in the crosshairs of the national media, as well as some serious social media outrage and a few NCAA investigations. That said, there is still a lot to be excited for when it comes to Jim Harbaugh and his 9th Michigan team — specifically when it comes to the Big Ten title race, the national title race, and the Heisman Trophy race.
Good news for Michigan football fans after the bye week
Despite Michigan football having a bye week, Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines were still the talk of the town when it comes to national sports media this week. While there has been a lot of negative chatter surrounding the Maize and Blue over the past ten days or so, Michigan fans still have a lot to look forward to.
Michigan leads in the Big Ten title odds
In case you missed it, both Ohio State and Penn State had questionable performances yesterday afternoon against two teams that, frankly, they should have beaten much more convincingly. While the Buckeyes are still perfect, and the Nittany Lions are an impressive 7-1 so far, neither looked to be the best team in the Big Ten.
Per the latest Big Ten title odds, Michigan football is still the clear-cut favorite to win the conference championship for the third year in a row. Ohio State (2), Wisconsin (3), Penn State (4), and Iowa (5) round out the top 5 when it comes to this year’s Big Ten title odds heading into Week 10. (Vegas Insider)
Michigan football tied for first in the national title odds
Right now, the Wolverines are 8-0 on the year and ranked No. 2 in national polls — this is reflected in the updated 2023-24 national title odds, which pin Michigan football and the Georgia Bulldogs above the rest heading into Week 10. While the Wolverines no longer solely hold possession of the top spot in these new national title odds, no team has passed Jim Harbaugh & Co. just yet.
JJ McCarthy is near the top of the Heisman Trophy odds
Through eight games, Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy has been as close as perfect as one can get, with the exception of his slow game against Bowling Green — a game that Michigan won, 31-6.
After crushing Michigan State last weekend, JJ McCarthy jumped to the top of the 2023 Heisman Trophy odds — heading into Week 10, he still remains towards the top of the list, though has since dropped to No. 2. Washington QB Michael Penix, who willed his Huskies to a win over Stanford yesterday, has moved back into first place in the Heisman Trophy race.
Still, JJ McCarthy has been incredible this year, and with the Penn State and Ohio State games approaching quickly, he will surely have his chance to establish himself as the frontrunner in the Heisman Trophy odds throughout the month of November.
Wolverines will likely have a shot at program history before investigation comes back to the forefront
While this week’s Michigan football headlines have not been kind to the Wolverines and their fanbase, there is a lot to look forward to and be excited about in Ann Arbor right now. Latest reports confirm that there is almost no chance that the NCAA will step in before the season ends and that the Big Ten and CFP committee are not likely to do anything before the 2024 season either.
It’s seemingly now or never for Jim Harbaugh to deliver what all Michigan football fans crave most: another Big Ten title and the team’s first national title since 1997. Additionally, JJ McCarthy could be Michigan’s first Heisman Trophy winner since Charles Woodson won it back in 1997.
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